I am looking at studying abroad for a semster in New Zealand next spring, 2014, and was wondering what the hunting opportunities there are? I've look on the NZ Game and Fish website and it looks like they have very liberal limits as far as waterfowl goes

I live in Hawkes Bay a great place on the east cost of NZ, If you want any info, just let me know. And if you are coming through this way. I'm happy to sort out a shoot for you at either my pond or a mates spot. and if you are doing a bit of a tour around the islandsIm quite sure we could set up shooting in other parts of the country. Regards Tony

Just because you haven't done something, doesn't mean its not worth trying.

AirNZ has just begun charging a handling fee for firearms....$150 USD EACH WAY...and EACH LEG of the trip. That's $300 roundtrip to Auckland, and $600 RT if you're going to Christchurch. We need to email complaints and tell them that we will use other airlines such as V australia.

Air NZ needs to wake up, they are not the only air line, just another revenue gathering tool while they continue to lay off hundreds of staff here. With those charges you are better of getting a rental car and driving around. If need be i'm sure we could locate a gun or two for you to use. Best of luck planing your trip, and tell air NZ to get stuffed

Just because you haven't done something, doesn't mean its not worth trying.

I was considering just buy a gun when I got to NZ and then either selling it or bringing it back depending on the charges. All I have to do is keep a good GPA through the rest of this semester and then i'll be headed that way in February of 2014

Another question: What all is there to hunt in NZ other than waterfowl? I've heard there is great turkey hunting?

Yip Turkeys every where, on the side of the roads, farmers paddocks. bloody things.South island there is Thar, Chamois, deer, wallaby, pigs, and the good old Canada geese. North Island has Deer, both reds and sika, Canada geese, wild pigs, and there is a two week special season on parry's. so plenty to hunt at that time of the year. i'm sure I've missed some but we have loads of game to have a crack at. You will want to plan ahead for bigger game though.

Just because you haven't done something, doesn't mean its not worth trying.

Do y'all kill many of the New Zealand Shovelers? They seem like a beautiful bird

The season on spoonies is short and the daily limit is only 1 or 2. When hunting you'll only see 1 or 2 at a time. However, I counted 24 drakes ( didn't count the hens) on a sewer pond where you can't shoot.

there are hunt clubs in some of the universities here now too. they are starting to get in some good animals, check out the place you are looking at to find them. Christchurch has one and Dunedin may too.